Chengjie Yin

The massive generation of coal-based solid wastes (CBSWs) poses severe environmental challenges globally, while widespread soil degradation threatens food security and ecosystem stability. This review critically evaluates the technical feasibility and agro-ecological benefits of valorizing CBSWs—including coal gangue, fly ash, gasification slag, and desulfurization gypsum—as soil amendments within a circular economy framework. We systematically examine the physicochemical characteristics of major CBSW types, analyze modification methods that enhance their performance and safety, and assess their multifaceted effects on soil physical structure, chemical properties, nutrient dynamics, heavy metal immobilization, and microbial communities. A dedicated section addresses environmental risks, particularly toxic element leaching, and outlines integrated control strategies from source selection to post-application monitoring. Critical knowledge gaps persist regarding long-term contaminant stability under climate change scenarios, molecular-scale immobilization mechanisms, and economic scalability. Future research must prioritize advanced low-energy modification technologies, robust long-term field studies, and harmonized international regulations. We conclude that with scientifically guided modification and stringent risk management, CBSWs can be transformed into safe, multifunctional soil conditioners, simultaneously addressing industrial waste management and contributing to global restoration of degraded soil health.

Graphene, a one-atom-thick sp²-hybridized carbon sheet, has enormous potential for fabricating flexible transparent electronics due to its unique electronic and mechanical properties. However, the intrinsic lack of a band gap, the low reactivity, and the poor solubility of pristine graphene have largely hindered wide-ranging applications so far. One of the most attractive ways to resolve these issues is to modify the graphene surface through molecular physisorption or chemisorption. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in fabricating graphene-based molecular electronics through manipulating small functional molecules on the graphene surface towards chemical reactivity adjustment, molecular doping, and band gap opening via non-covalent and covalent interactions, and draw attention to challenges and opportunities. We also suggest future research directions for graphene-based molecular electronics.

V₂O₅ undergoes irreversible phase transition and collapse of layered structure during the Zn²⁺ insertion/extraction, which severely limits its application as a cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, a synergistic strategy of conductive polyaniline insertion and graphene composite was proposed to boost the Zn²⁺ storage performance of the V₂O₅ cathode. A square-shaped polyaniline (PANI)-intercalated and graphene-composited vanadium oxide (GO/PANI-PVP/V₂O₅) structure was successfully synthesized via an in situ oxidation/insertion polymerization combined with a hydrothermal method. The results showed that PANI intercalation and the composite of graphene combined with layered V₂O₅, enabling reversible intercalation of Zn²⁺/H⁺. The insertion of conjugated PANI not only increases the lattice spacing of V₂O₅, providing a channel for rapid transport of Zn²⁺, but also increases the storage sites for charges through doping/dedoping processes and redox conversion reactions. GO/PANI-PVP/V₂O₅ delivers an excellent specific capacity (495 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1), wonderful rate capability (208 mA h g^-1 at 30 A g^-1), and good cycling stability (93% after 4000 cycles). Our results provide a new approach for adjusting the valence states, interlayer spacing, and rational design of organic-inorganic compound materials for different functional materials.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have developed into one of the most attractive materials for large-scale energy storage owing to their advantages such as high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, the sluggish diffusion kinetics and inherent impoverished conductivity affect their practical application. Herein, the β-MnO₂ composited with carbon nanotubes (CNT@M) is prepared through a simple hydrothermal approach as a high-performance cathode for AZIBs. The CNT@M electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability, in which the maximum specific discharge capacity is 259 mA h g^-1 at 3 A g^-1, and there is still 220 mA h g^-1 after 2000 cycles. The specific capacity is obviously better than that of β-MnO₂ (32 mA h g^-1 after 2000 cycles). The outstanding electrochemical performance of the battery is inseparable from the structural framework of CNT and inherent high conductivity. Furthermore, CNT@M can form a complex conductive network based on CNTs to provide excellent ion diffusion and charge transfer. Therefore, the active material can maintain a long-term cycle and achieve stable capacity retention. This research provides a reasonable solution for the reliable conception of Mn-based electrodes and indicates its potential application in high-performance AZIB cathode materials.

The phenomenon of ordered self-assembly on solid substrates is a topic of interest in both fundamental surface science research and its applications in nanotechnology. The regulation and control of two-dimensional (2D) self-assembled supra-molecular structures on surfaces have been realized through applying external stimuli. By utilizing scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), researchers can investigate the detailed phase transition process of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), providing insight into the interplay between intermolecular weak interactions and substrate–molecule interactions, which govern the formation of molecular self-assembly. This review will discuss the structural transition of self-assembly probed by STM in response to external stimuli and provide state-of-the-art methods such as tip-induced confinement for the alignment of SAM domains and selective chirality. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field of self-assembly and STM.

The phenomenon of ordered self-assembly on solid substrates is a topic of interest in both fundamental surface science research and its applications in nanotechnology. The regulation and control of two-dimensional (2D) self-assembled supra-molecular structures on surfaces have been realized through applying external stimuli. By utilizing scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), researchers can investigate detailed phase transition process about self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), providing insight into the interplay between intermolecular weak interactions and substrate-molecule interactions, which govern the formation of molecular self-assembly. This review will discuss the structural transition of self-assembly probed by STM in response to external stimuli and provide state-of-art methods such as tip induced confinement for the alignment of SAM domains and selective chirality. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field of self-assembly and STM.